Heli-One Opens Helicopter MRO Operation in Rzeszow

Today leaders fromHeli-One, the largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, introduced government and business officials to expectations for its new operation here, which is now open for business.

More than 20 people have been hired so far for the Heli-One Poland operation, several of whom are already on board with the company. The operation is adding expertise and access to current and newcustomers in continental Europe.

The facility is initially focusing on airframe maintenance for “heavy” helicopters, including Eurocopter Super Puma and 225 aircraft.

Larry Alexandre, president of Heli-One, formally introduced senior colleagues and the local Heli-One team. He briefed attendees - including the president of Rzeszow and the marshall of Podkarpackie Region - on the nature and scope of the operation. Mr. Alexandre recognized area leaders for their past and future support of Heli-One.

“After careful research of several places, we chose Rzeszow because of its location in the heart of Poland’s Aviation Valley, near major Central European operators and a base of strong talent and education resources,” he said. “Opening this operation is an important first step in our plan to increase the footprint, capability and efficiency of our global aircraft maintenance and repair operations. This will help us build on our world-class operations, and take advantage of the growing demand for MRO services.

“We’re extremely excited and proud to be here in Rzeszow, and look forward to being part of this community and region for years to come.”

Heli-One Poland is expected to grow to 100 people within two years, creating new, high-skill jobs and providing extensive development opportunities for area professionals. The company expects to invest significantly above $10 million on building costs, purchasing, training and other expenses related to the operation. That investment is likely to increase based on future business potential in the region.

The Rzeszow team is currently focused on additional hiring, initial training and building renovations. Heli-One’s initial temporary facility in Poland will be replaced by a customized hangar by summer of 2013.

Heli-One is based in Delta, B.C., and has MRO operations in Delta; Stavanger, Norway; Fort Collins, Colo.; and now Rzeszow.

Heli-One is part of CHC Helicopter, the world’s largest helicopter services company, which, in addition to MRO, provides transportation to offshore oil and gas platforms and ships and search-and-rescue agencies.

CHC is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and operates more than 250 aircraft in about 30 countries around the world. CHC recently announced its full-year fiscal 2012 financial results. Revenue was $1.69 billion, up 17 percent, and EBITDAR, a primary measure of industry profitability, increased 25 percent, to $421 million.